Ransomware Rampage: Over 200,000 Patients’ Data Breached in Healthcare Havoc
Bell Ambulance and Alabama Ophthalmology Associates have both fallen victim to ransomware attacks, impacting over 100,000 individuals each. The Medusa and BianLian ransomware groups are taking credit, leaving personal and medical data exposed. If only hackers could find a way to steal our dentist appointments instead!
Hot Take:
In a plot twist nobody wanted, two healthcare organizations were hit by ransomware attacks that left over 200,000 people’s personal information more exposed than a hospital gown. As if ambulances and eye charts weren’t stressful enough, now patients have to worry about identity theft too. Maybe the lesson here is that the real prescription for healthcare isn’t just more firewalls, but also a thicker skin for dealing with cybercrime calamities.
Key Points:
- Both Bell Ambulance and Alabama Ophthalmology Associates fell victim to ransomware attacks affecting over 100,000 individuals each.
- Bell Ambulance detected the breach on February 13, 2025, with the Medusa ransomware group claiming responsibility.
- The breach at Alabama Ophthalmology Associates was discovered on January 30, with hackers accessing data since January 22.
- Data compromised includes personal details, SSNs, and sensitive medical information.
- HHS data breach tracker reveals a staggering number of healthcare breaches in the US, totaling over 180 million records compromised last year.